February 14, 2022
Greetings Students,
Winter in Michigan is always an exciting time of year and winter semester provides its own joys and challenges. Whether you are joining us remotely, taking classes on campus, or both, thank you for investing in your future by choosing Kalamazoo Valley.
We are pressing forward with a multitude of events. The schedule includes virtual and in-person programming at the Kalamazoo Valley Museum and the Black Artists' Show at the college's Center for New Media. Many college clubs and organizations are finding ways to meet virtually. A calendar of activities is available on the homepage of the college website. I hope that you will take advantage of all that the college has to offer.
Creating and maintaining a safe and healthy environment for our students, guests, faculty and staff continues to be at the forefront of our efforts. I want you to follow all of the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) prevention guidelines so that we can help mitigate the spread of disease. This is a shared responsibility.
Thank you for sharing your stories with us. I continue to be amazed by your determination and flexibility as you complete your education. Please remain resilient and positive. If you need assistance, do not hesitate to reach out to your faculty members or to Student Success Services. We are here to help you achieve your goals!
Sincerely,
L. Marshall Washington, Ph.D.
President
Second Part-of-Term Classes
Room in your schedule for another class? Additional winter classes start March 3. Click here for tips on how to search for second part-of-term classes. Be sure to select "2nd seven week" classes in the search criteria.
Celebrating Black History Month
It was in 1964 when the author James Baldwin reflected on the shortcomings of his education. "When I was going to school," he said, "I began to be bugged by the teaching of American history because it seemed that that history had been taught without cognizance of my presence."
Baldwin's thoughts echoed those of many before and after him. Half a century earlier, when Carter G. Woodson had the same frustration, he set the foundation for what would become today's national Black History Month, observed each February.
"If a race has no history, it has no worthwhile tradition; it becomes a negligible factor in the thought of the world, and it stands in danger of being exterminated," Woodson said of the need for such study. more
February is Career and Technical Education Month
More than half of all jobs in Michigan require skills training - more than a high school diploma, but less than a four-year degree. If a traditional four-year degree isn't right for you, Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs can be the perfect fit.
CTE programs prepare you for employment in current or emerging fields and help you obtain a high-wage, high-skill career. Check out these videos that highlight some of the college's CTE programs in Machine Tooling, Welding and Electrical Technology.
Bring Canned Goods to Tonight's Basketball Games
The Cougar women's and men's basketball teams and the college are hosting a food drive at tonight's home games against Ancilla College. Tipoff is at 5:30 p.m. (women's basketball) and 7:30 p.m. (men's basketball).
Please bring canned goods and nonperishable food items. All donations made to the "Hunger Games" project go to Kalamazoo Loaves & Fishes, whose mission is to end hunger in our community. Games are in the gym at the Texas Township Campus. Admission is free.
Get Paid and Go to School for Free
Are you looking for a way to pair your mechanical aptitude with your problem-solving skills? Kalamazoo Valley may have the perfect opportunity for you! We are currently seeking two utility maintenance specialists to support our campuses. These positions provide maintenance and limited repair of HVAC, electrical, plumbing and mechanical systems. Not mechanically inclined? We are also hiring two second-shift custodians. Learn more and apply now here. Full-time employees receive free tuition at the college, minus applicable fees. Please email hr@kvcc.edu for details of the employee Investing in Your Future Tuition Plan.
Support our Student-Run Restaurants
The Havirmill Cafe is open from 7 a.m. - 1 p.m. Monday - Thursday with lunch service starting at 11:30 am. All food items are packaged as grab-and-go and there is limited seating in the cafe for lunch. You will find hot meals, sandwiches and salads. There is also fresh produce from the Food Innovation Center available to purchase. Reservations are not needed for the cafe. The cafe is open Monday - Thursday.
418 Restaurant is open 11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. on Wednesdays and Thursdays only. Reservations are required. Please contact Yvonne Cooley at ycooley@kvcc.edu or 548.3203 or Terri McDonaldat tmcdonald@kvcc.edu or 548.3205 to make a reservation.
Engineering Technology Scholarship Available
Students interested in transferring to Michigan Technological University to pursue a degree in an engineering technology major at Michigan Technological University are encouraged to apply for the ETS-Impress Scholarship. The degree majors for Electrical Engineering Technology, Mechanical Engineering Technology, Computer Network and System Administration, Cybersecurity and the popular new Mechatronics degree qualify for this scholarship. Applicants must be a transfer from a two-year institution to apply.
Work on Campus
Work-study opportunities are available! This program provides an employment opportunity that enables students to earn money toward their education while going to school. Click here to see the open positions and how to apply. If you have questions, contact Derik Redding at dredding@kvcc.edu or 269.4878.4252.
Get Involved on Campus
The Office for Student Life and Engagement is here to connect you with a number of events in our new virtual space. From meeting with transfer colleges and making a budget to learning about your strengths, our office offers learning opportunities outside the classroom. Meet new people and connect with campus contacts to make your college experience more meaningful.
Upcoming events include:
Feb. 15 & 22 | FAFSA Night | 4:30 - 6:30 p.m.
The Financial Aid Office is hosting several FAFSA Nights to assist families in completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). If you have any questions or need help, stop by the Financial Aid Office at our Texas Township Campus.
Feb. 15 | Resume Writing Workshop
Want tips and tricks for constructing a great resume? Then please join this virtual resume workshop event! Students can learn about the components of a standard resume and how to construct one, giving them a basic overview of resume writing. For more information, please contact Mary McConnell.
10 - 11 a.m. | Resume Writing Workshop | This event will be held via Zoom.
3 - 4 p.m. | Resume Writing Workshop | This event will be held via Zoom.
Feb 15 | Zoom Pop Up | Progress Report Luncheon Prep | 6-7 p.m.
Connect with Beth and Narda to talk about classes and be prepared to attend the Progress Report Luncheon. This event will be held via Zoom.
Feb. 16 | Resume Writing Workshop
10 - 11 a.m. | Resume Writing Workshop | This event will be held via Zoom.
3 - 4 p.m. | Resume Writing Workshop | This event will be held via Zoom.
Feb. 16 | Western Wednesday | 10 a.m.
Are you interested in attending Western Michigan University? Connect with advisors and admission representatives from the Office of Admissions and the College of Arts & Sciences from Western Michigan University. This event will be held virtually, click here to register. For more information, contact Ezra Bell or Levi Funk.
Feb. 16 | Develop Your Talents into Strengths | 2 p.m.
Dive deeper into a Strengths-based perspective on self-development with your Top 5 Clifton Strengths. This event will be held via Zoom. For more information, contact Sabrina Kooy.
Feb. 16 &17 | How to Study: English | 2 p.m.
A discussion about prepping for papers and projects.
The Feb. 16 event will be held via Zoom.
This Feb. 17 will be held via Zoom.
For more information, contact Beth Brandon.
Feb. 18 | Strengths & Well-being | 1 p.m.
Learn about the five universal elements of well-being and how your Strengths can connect you to what you find engaging, important and valuable to help you create a resilient and thriving life. This event will be held via Zoom. For more information, contact Sabrina Kooy.
Feb. 21 | Valley Future Educators' Club (VFEC) | 1 p.m.
Are you interested in pursuing a career in education? Valley Future Educators' Club provides a great opportunity to network with Kalamazoo Valley faculty and peers interested in the field of education. Join us at our next meeting for some informal learning, conversation and fun! This event will be held in person at the TTC campus in room 4240 and will also be available via Zoom. For more information, contact Cheryl Almeda.
Feb. 21 | Women's Basketball Home Game | 5:30 p.m.
Women's Basketball Home Game with Muskegon Community College, located at the TTC Campus Main Gym.
Feb. 21 | Men's Basketball Home Game | 7:30 p.m.
Men's Basketball Home Game with Muskegon Community College, located at the TTC Campus Main Gym.
Feb. 22 & 23 | Job Search Techniques
This event will offer the opportunity to learn about numerous techniques for utilizing various job search platforms including, Career Coach, Indeed.com and ZipRecruiter. It will include discussion on discovering and considering local employers that may hire for certain career paths. For more information, please contact Mary McConnell.
Feb. 22 | 10 - 11 a.m. | Job Search Techniques | This event will be held via Zoom.
Feb. 22 | 3 - 4 p.m. | Job Search Techniques | This event will be held via Zoom.
Feb. 23 | 10 - 11 a.m. | Job Search Techniques | This event will be held via Zoom.
Feb. 23 | 3 - 4 p.m. | Job Search Techniques | This event will be held via Zoom.
Feb. 22 | Medical Assistant Technology Information Session | 5:30 p.m.
Come join us in Room 4240 for an informational session where you can learn more about the Medical Assistant Technology program at Kalamazoo.
Feb 22 | Zoom Pop Up | How to Study Math | 6 - 7 p.m.
Professor Daniel Cunningham will help students understand methods for studying math.This event will be held via Zoom.
Feb. 22 | How to Study: Trades | 6 p.m.
Feb. 23 | How to Study: Trades | 2 p.m.
A discussion about ideal practices to be successful in various trades programs.
The Feb. 22 event will be held via Zoom.
The Feb. 23 event will be held via Zoom.
For more information, contact Beth Brandon.
Feb 23 | Study Tables | 2 - 3 p.m.
Downtown with Beth - Room 121 in Anna Whitten Hall. Sign up here.
Texas Township with Narda - Room 9318. Sign up here.
Feb. 23 | On-Site Admissions WMU | 9 a.m.
Kalamazoo Valley Community College students planning to transfer to Western Michigan University in 2022 should join us for this special event. Students will submit their application and official transcripts for review and will receive a same-day decision. For more information, contact Ezra Bell or Levi Funk.
Feb. 23 | How Much is Too Much? Understanding Alcohol Use | 1 p.m.
Come join us for this informative event where attendees will be given the chance to learn more about the difference between alcohol use and alcohol abuse, as well as learn tips and techniques for reducing alcohol abuse risks. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
Check the college calendar for other upcoming opportunities.
Student Organizations
Did you know Kalamazoo Valley has a number of student clubs and organizations? From dance club to anime, there is something for everyone. Clubs are a great way to meet people! Check out the complete list here. Want to start your own club? Contact Coty Dunten.
College Social Media
Be sure to like us on Facebook and follow us on Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn for all of the latest campus news.
Historic Kalamazoo Boxing Academy Exhibit Now Open
Many big names in boxing got their training with the Kalamazoo Boxing Academy. Explore the personal stories of the boxers and trainers at the "The Forgotten Fighters of the Kalamazoo Boxing Academy" exhibit at the Kalamazoo Valley Museum, which the college operates in downtown Kalamazoo. It runs now through Sept. 18. Admission is free to the museum and to the exhibit. The museum is located at 230 N. Rose St. It is now open for limited hours, Tuesday through Saturday, 10 - 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 - 3 p.m. Preregistration at kalamazoomuseum.org is recommended. Walk-in slots are available, but entry is not guaranteed if capacity is reached.
Ten New Releases in Virtual Storytelling Festival
Watch the latest 10 new digitally recorded tales in the Kalamazoo Valley Museum's online Storytelling Festival! Hear about Valentine's Day, 9/11, Kenyan celebrations, how time itself is celebrated and more, including a folktale from the British Isles. These stories may be viewed, anytime for free through early May. The festival's nine-month series on "A Celebration of Time" has been exploring festive traditions since October. All stories remain posted for three months from the date of premiere. Next up: The series concludes with stories about Easter and Passover released March 20.
Promise Progress Report Luncheon
Attention Kalamazoo Promise scholars! Join us Feb. 17 for a Progress Report Luncheon. Enjoy a delicious meal with Valley and Promise officers, drawings and prizes and more. The Promise coach and advisor will be available to share updates and connect you with resources. Due to Valley COVID-19 precautions, students must RSVP for one of five 30-minute time slots posted by Feb. 14. Luncheon will be held in Room 9318, Student Success Services conference room, on the Texas Township Campus.
 Let's Talk about Brother2Brother
Multicultural Services is on a mission to revamp the Brother2Brother initiative at Kalamazoo Valley Community College. Since 2002, Brother2Brother has been connecting male students on campus for peer support, leadership development and real conversation. As we continue to navigate through the pandemic, we are partnering with a number of Kalamazoo area organizations to re-imagine and support the mission and vision of Brother2Brother. As we work to rebrand this popular initiative, it is important that we hear from YOU, our students.
Join Ezra Bell on Wednesday, Feb. 23 from 4 - 6 p.m.to share your thoughts on the future of Brother2Brother. Meet downtown Kalamazoo at the Arcadia Commons Campus in Room 128 in Anna Whitten Hall. Parking will be validated for Arcadia Ramp #4 on Eleanor. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to Bell at ebell@kvcc.edu or 269.488.4045.
"About Writing" Visiting Writers Series Welcomes Ross Gay
Kalamazoo Valley's "About Writing" Visiting Writers series welcomes Ross Gay via Zoom at 3 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 24. The series is coordinated by English instructor Julie Stotz-Ghosh and offers students the opportunity to talk with professional writers and listen to their work. The visits are free and open to the public.
Gay is the author of four books of poetry: Against Which, Bringing the Shovel Down, Be Holding, and Catalog of Unabashed Gratitude, winner of the 2015 National Book Critics Circle Award and the 2016 Kingsley Tufts Poetry Award. His new poem, Be Holding, was released from the University of Pittsburgh Press in September of 2020. His collection of essays, The Book of Delights, was released by Algonquin Books in 2019.
CNM Students! Get Connected with an Advisor or Counselor
Center for New Media students are encouraged to participate in Get Connected events next month. Get Connected with an Advisor or Counselor runs on Wednesday, March 9 from 1 p.m. - 5 p.m. and Thursday, March 10 from 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. at the Center for New Media.
This is your chance to check in with a counselor to review your progress. Don't wait until the end of the semester! During these sessions, CNM students will have the opportunity to discuss:
- How classes are going
- Any issues either in the classroom or outside of class
- Specific needs to help boost confidence in academic work
- Any other concerns
Kalamazoo Valley Libraries: Academic Integrity Assistance, Sports & Recreation Collection and Study Spaces
Academic Integrity
Kalamazoo Valley students are expected to model the highest standards of academic honesty and integrity, and the libraries are here to help. It may not always be obvious how to properly credit the sources you use in an academic paper. Library staff are standing by to help you avoid plagiarism by using correct formatting and citation. Come see our experts to make sure that your papers are in top academic condition. You can also reach us by phone or email, or schedule a Zoom meeting with us. Our 24/7 library chat service means you have a library professional in your corner at any hour.
Sports and Recreation Collection
The Texas Township library has a wide selection of athletic titles waiting for you on its shelves. Enjoy biographies and background stories involving your favorite sports, or improve your own skills. Whether you are into weight training, football, basketball, baseball, swimming or something else, the library has something for you. Also included with the sports section are recreational titles - so you can kick your chess game up a notch or learn new skills to enhance your next camping trip. Visit the library and see all we have to offer!
Study Spaces
The library is the ultimate hangout for study and relaxation. At the Texas Township Campus, we have tons of tables, cubicles and comfy chairs overlooking scenic woods, or you can isolate yourself at a study table in the bookshelves or in one of our first-come, first-serve group study rooms. You can also find cozy study accommodations downtown at the Anna Whitten Hall library. Both libraries offer computer workstations with color and black-and-white printing.
*We appreciate you following Kalamazoo Valley's safety protocols and practicing social distancing when you visit us.
Visit us online
Call 269.488.4328
Email: libraries@kvcc.edu
Chat with a college librarian 24/7: https://www.kvcc.edu/library/asklib.html
Zoom by appointment, please email libraries@kvcc.edu
Follow us on Instagram @kalamazoovalleylibraries
Looking for Work or Volunteer Opportunities?
Student Employment Services assists students with job searching, resume writing and practice interviewing. Visit Career Coach to see if there is something that interests you. If you are looking for a different job other than what is listed, we can help. Call 269.488.4040 or email careercenter@kvcc.edu to schedule an appointment with Student Employment Services.
Below are some of the jobs currently posted on Career Coach
Accounting/Business/IT/Marketing
Accounts Receivable/Payable - Parker Hannifin
Sales and Service Specialist - Bridgestone Retail Operations
Assistant Township Treasurer/Clerk's Assistant - Oshtemo Charter Township
Sales Support - Polymershapes
Marketing Coordinator - Watts Homes & Construction
Human Resources Generalist - KRESA
Medical Secretary - Friendship Village
Venue Representative - Bell's Brewery
Personal Office Assistant - Friends with Disabilities
Accounts Payable Specialist - Friendship Village
Culinary/Brewing
Upper Hand Production Intern - Bell's Brewery
Several culinary opportunities throughout the area - inquire with Student Employment Services
Education
Lead Preschool Teacher/Assistant Teacher - Bullfrogs and Butterflies Christian Learning Center
School Age Childcare Staff - YMCA of Greater Kalamazoo
Paraprofessional - KRESA
Day Camp Counselor - Girl Scouts Heart of Michigan
Teaching related positions (multiple) - Tri-County Head Start
General Studies
Front of House Support - Bell's Brewery
Manager on Duty/Gym Supervisor - YMCA of Greater Kalamazoo
Custodian - Part-time - Kalamazoo Public Library
Packaging Specialists (multiple positions) - Zoetis
Health Careers
Home Health Aide/Companion/Direct Care - Multiple positions and companies seeking
Human Services/Social Sciences/Public Health
Assistant Supervisor - Oshtemo Charter Township
Family Program Facilitator (Part time three to six hours per week) - Prevention Works
Behavioral Case Manager - Senior Services
Science Related
Strike Team Crew Member - Van Buren Conservation District
Lab Assistant - Better Environmental Scientific and Testing, Inc.
QO Lab Analyst - Zoetis
Lab Tech / Lab Assistant - Next Stage Labs
Trades
CNC Machine Operator - Parker Hannifin Corporation
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